Diamonds in the Rough

Uncut gems discovered on a cold moon orbiting Deneb XII spark a fierce battle for their possession as treachery runs rampant and turncoats pop up everywhere. More

A bucketful of low-grade industrial diamond dust is not much in the way of treasure, but times are hard. What begins as a minor pilfering of a deserted mine on an isolated moon escalates into a tricky situation. Clandestine connections between the Galactic Police Commissioner and the corrupt mine owner have caused men to be condemned so money can flow, and when T.J. and his gang become aware of it, they vow to do something about it. The scene becomes complicated when gemstones are unexpectedly discovered around the mine and several mutinous policemen mount a full-scale attack for possession of the thousands of uncut gems. T.J. and his crew get caught in the crossfire as control of the situation changes hands over and over again between competing bad guys. Being a professional outlaw may pay well sometimes, but it’s certainly a risky business.

Craig Conley always had a love for astronomy and physics, soaking up everything he could find on these subjects. His stories reflect that passion and the science he employs is based on our current level of knowledge about the universe and its workings. He also adds a sense of humor and a touch of roguishness to his pirate gang, and the results are quite entertaining. Much of his life was spent as a professional musician and that extraordinary late-night environment lends color to his characters.